SESSER – John Matthew Stacey, more commonly known as “John Boy,” age 56, of Sesser, Illinois, passed away on the morning of December 24, 2025.
He was born on October 17, 1969, to Bill and Marilyn Stacey. John grew up in Sesser and graduated from Sesser-Valier High School, where he also met his wife, Teresa. John and Teresa were united in marriage on April 8, 1995, at Sesser First Christian Church.
John worked at Continental Tire in Mt. Vernon for 31 years. Over those years, it seemed he built more friendships and relationships than he ever did tires.
Throughout his life, John was a member of many organizations that meant a great deal to him, including Sesser Ducks Unlimited, the Sesser Homecoming Association, Rend Lake Masonic Lodge, Ashley Sportsman Association, and Rend Lake Sportsman Association. Through these activities, John Boy became something of a local celebrity. To know him was to recognize his signature energy and humor, paired with an easygoing presence—and perhaps one of his Bloody Marys or lemonades if you were lucky. Behind the jokes was an enormous heart that cared deeply for his community and those he loved.
Above all, John will be remembered for his ability to make anyone feel like a true friend, even first-time acquaintances. He listened without judgment, laughed without reservation, and supported without hesitation. His loyalty to friends and family ran deep—teasing one minute and fiercely defending the next. There was never a dull moment around John. His legacy lives loudly in the many lives he touched.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Marilyn Stacey, and his sister, Kathy Wingo Hopson.
He is survived by his wife, Teresa Stacey; daughters, Alecia and Maggie Stacey; son-in-law, Anthony Acosta; sister, Karen Redding; sister-in-law, Angela Bullock (Joe); nephews, Jeff Wingo (Mary Ann), John Don Wingo, Michael Redding (Maria), and Matt Redding; niece, Savannah King (fiancé Donnie); several great-nieces and great-nephews; and one special great-niece, Peyton King, for whom he proudly served as her personal “cabana boy,” also known as the popsicle getter. He also leaves behind a mile-long list of friends who will miss him dearly.
Visitation will be held Monday, December 29, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Brayfield-Gilbert Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sesser-Valier Outdoorsmen Club and will be accepted at the funeral home.
For more information, visit gilbertfuneralhomes.com.